Motorola MA361 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone with Caller ID and Digital Answering System

Call features are accessed from the handset, which provides a three-line backlit LCD for easy-to-read reference. Enjoy the convenience of redial, handset locator, and handset volume. It also comes with a convenient belt clip for hands-free operation (headset not included).

The digital answering system is housed in the phone's base unit, which also provides handset charging. The answering system provides single mailbox reception with 15 minutes of recording time, including memo recording, plus date/time stamping, easy-to-use message playback controls, and full remote operation.

The MA361 comes with a rechargeable battery that when fully charged provides six hours of talk time or six days on standby. It is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Motorola MA361 base station, handset, belt clip, rechargeable battery, AC adapter/charger, telephone line cord, user manual, warranty information

First of all I just have to mention the owners manual, reminds me of the one for my Casio watch....very tiny! My first thought after seeing the manual was that they must have left out some information about the phone and sure enough they did. So far I've been through the manual 3 times and can't find anything about the little light at the top of the handset. I'm not sure what it does besides light up when I press the talk key, surely that can't be all it does. First impressions though are favorable for Motorola's 2.4 GHz phone.

Lets talk first about the sound quality; it's excellent but could use a little bit more volume, better than most though. One thing that was quite annoying was when I punched in a phone number and hit the talk button I would put the phone up to my ear and hear the beeps as it was dialing, it was loud enough to make me want to pull the phone away from my ear. As far as I can tell no hisses or static just quiet, the way it should be. The buttons are laid out well and Motorola has made them so that minimal keystrokes to buttons enable features. Take for instance the large "TALK" button it also disconnects the phone. Caller ID is accessed by just pushing the up and down arrows. One caveat is that there are only 10 memory slots for holding phone numbers and each is assigned to numbers 1 thru 0. Maybe the next generation of Motorola's will be a bit more generous on the memory. On the plus side the 10 directory numbers do hold names and numbers and are easily accessed by pushing the "mem" key followed by the number, 0 thru 9. The answering machine can be assessed by the handset and all features are available except for the recording of outgoing messages. I do wish manufacturers would allow for the recording of outgoing messages using the handset, I can never seem to get a good recording using just the base unit. The answer machine is easy to use using a minimal set of buttons. The outgoing message like I said earlier is nothing to get excited about, decent but not great. Oddly enough the recordings left by callers are of much better quality than the outgoing message, probably due to the out going message being recorded via the base. The handset's display and buttons are backlit, great when you want to make a call from a dimly lit room.

On the whole Motorola's newest entry into the cordless market is fantastic and with a minimal set of dollars you can get a lot for your money. These new phones are analog and don't offer the security as their digital counterparts but I've been told sometime this year Motorola will be coming out with a whole new line of digital products. I would like to see Motorola expand their product line to include a multi-phone system. You will not be disappointed in MA361 unless you're looking for more directory entries.


All the right features   November 3, 2002
29 out of 29 found this review helpful

This phone had all the right features that I was needing in a cordless phone with a digital answering machine. The sound clarity was clear and the volume on the handset is excellent. The backlit LCD display is handy when you have a call while you are asleep at night so as you can see who is calling you if you have caller ID service. I even tested this phone by turning on the microwave and standing right beside it while talking and there was no interference. I highly recommend this phone for it's quality and reasonable price.


Almost OK   April 26, 2003
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I bought this phone several months ago on a recommendation. Well, it's a nice looking phone and the base is compact. I do like that it has a ringer on/off switch (many phones nowadays don't have that feature anymore). However, the quality of the reception is just awful! And changing the channel is manual. In addition, it is not very comfortable against the ear.

So, I'm back to the search for the perfect cordless phone....


Great Phone   May 9, 2003
Seth Thomas (Missouri)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I am very impressed by what I received in this package. The sound quality and reception is very good. I live in a dorm with cinder-block walls and I am able to walk around on the floor without a problem. Battery life is awesome. I tried keeping it off the hook for about 4 or 5 days to see if it'd actually last as long as Motorola claims. Even with use, it lasted atleast 4 days. I forgot how long it was exactly, atleast 4. Very simple. I didn't even need to read the instructions to record a message, set the day time, and add presets with Names. The only thing that annoyed me is that once the phone is picked up, the answering machine stops. That means I either have to write down numbers or try to remember them in order to call people back. I love the appearance of this phone. It's pretty slick. Overall, A great phone, much better than I asked for.


Could Be Better   September 10, 2003
mom_of_2 (United States)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Being given the ability to access the answering machine from the handset makes this design a nice idea, and the sound quality from the handset isn't bad, but that is the extent of my praise.

I do not care for the answering machine as it has very limited features; no fast forward, rewind, etc. The quality of sound is very poor, and most of my messages are not clear enough to be understood.

The worst problem I've had is the phone's battery "dies" all too often! I've had the phone in the base for 48 hours, and after a 5 minute phone call it will give a low battery warning, and soon die out.

I've not been satisfied with this phone, and after two months of use am looking for a replacement. Save your money and look for something else!